Dozens Rescued from Flooded Alaska Villages

The U.S. Coast Guard is leading extensive search and rescue operations in two rural Alaska communities that have been devastated by severe flooding, with dozens already rescued and efforts continuing to locate three missing residents.

U.S. Coast Guard crews from Air Station Kodiak have successfully rescued 34 people from the flooded villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok in western Alaska. 18 residents were airlifted from Kwigillingok, while 16 were rescued from Kipnuk. All were in stable condition, according to U.S. Coast Guard officials.

Search efforts remain ongoing for three Kwigillingok residents who are still unaccounted for. A U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew covered 76 square miles in search operations on Sunday October 12^th, 2025, and resumed the search on Monday morning.

U.S. Coast Guard resources include the crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kimball, which has deployed unmanned aerial surveillance to support the rescue effort. The cutter is also providing crucial support for aviation assets involved in the operations. In preparation for an extended response, relief crews and supplies are being transported to Bethel, a regional hub that serves as a staging area for the multi-day operation.

The U.S. Coast Guard is coordinating closely with multiple partner agencies to manage the complex rescue effort. Collaborating organizations include Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and both the Alaska Air and Army National Guard.

The operation comes in support of the state of Alaska’s emergency response to the flooding that has impacted these remote coastal communities.

“Preservation of life is our top priority,” said Capt. Christopher Culpepper, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic. “The Coast Guard remains closely connected to the State Emergency Operations Center in full support of combined rescue and response operations alongside State Troopers, National Guard, and various additional agencies.”

Search and rescue operations will continue, with updates provided as new information becomes available. Residents requiring assistance are advised to contact the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at 907-551-7230.